Devanshi Jain

Devanshi Jain is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Genetics at Rutgers University, School of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on gametogenesis and genome integrity, utilizing mouse models to investigate the molecular mechanisms of meiosis, post-transcriptional gene regulation, and retrotransposon repression in the germline.

Her research interests center on understanding the dynamic gene expression programs that drive gametogenesis, particularly the role of RNA-binding proteins like YTHDC2 in regulating the transition from mitotic to meiotic phases. She also investigates how retrotransposon suppression mechanisms intersect with critical chromosomal events such as meiotic recombination and chromosome synapsis. Her work combines forward genetics, molecular biology, and genomic approaches to dissect regulatory networks essential for fertility and genome stability.

Her recent publications (2025–2009) reveal a strong focus on meiotic regulation, RNA biology, and transposon control. Key themes include the function of RNA helicases, piRNA pathways, DNA methylation in germline silencing, and chromosomal dynamics during meiosis. Her work spans from foundational studies in DNA replication and telomere biology to cutting-edge research on post-transcriptional regulation in gametogenesis.

Devanshi Jain leads an active research lab mentoring postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates. She has served as co-corresponding author on multiple high-impact publications, indicating her leadership in collaborative research. While no formal scientific awards are listed, her publication record in journals like Nature Aging, Nature Communications, and eLife underscores her significant contributions to reproductive and molecular genetics.

She advises several trainees including postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and post-baccalaureates. Her lab employs a forward-genetics approach, having generated a rich collection of meiotic mutants through chemical mutagenesis screens in mice. These tools are central to ongoing projects aimed at mechanistic understanding of gene regulation and genome defense in the germline. The lab is currently recruiting at all levels, reflecting active grant funding and research expansion.

Her lab includes key personnel such as Lab Manager Shun Liang, Postdoctoral Scholars Lava Kumar Surarapu and Gayathri Govindaraju (former), and trainees including Katherine Duseau (graduate student), Shreya Sarathy, Kevin Tilton, and several undergraduates. The team investigates both transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms, with a strong emphasis on in vivo mouse models and cytological analysis of meiotic progression.